The member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker, said it was a great opportunity for local councils to apply for funding to have ageing bridges fixed, with up to half the cost met by the Australian Government.

“Better bridges improve safety and access for communities, and keep businesses and the road freight sector powering on – delivering dollars into the pockets of local businesses and supporting jobs,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“The flooding experienced throughout the electorate over the weekend was another reminder of how important it is to have safe and reliable access to our communities.

“The Bridges Renewal Programme helps to ensure that local Councils can afford to upgrade or repair old and damaged bridges.

“Local residents who are concerned about the state of a bridge in their community should contact their Council to find out about any plans they have to apply for funding, or put forward suggestions.

“By working together with governments at all levels – particularly local Councils which often need a hand to get big-ticket projects underway – we are upgrading and repairing bridges in all corners of the country.

​“State, territory and local governments are eligible to apply for up to $5 million in Australian Government funding per project – that’s a significant sum of money for any organisation.”

Round Three is open for applications until 15 May 2017. Guidelines and proposal forms are now available on the Bridges Renewal Program website at: www.infrastructure.gov.au/bridges